Opel Kadett C Coupe 1.2 (52 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Opel Kadett:

The Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel from 1936 until 1940 and then from 1962 until 1991 , when it was succeeded by the Opel Astra.
Originally, the Kadett was Opel's smallest model; however, as it grew in size with each generation , the Opel Corsa became GM/Opel's entry-level model.
The first Opel car to carry the Kadett name was presented to the public in December 1936 by Opel's commercial-technical director, Heinrich Nordhoff, who would in later decades become known for his leadership role in building up the Volkswagen company. Production was interrupted in 1940 by World War II....(Read more on Wikipedia)

C Coupe Overview:

Opel Kadett (C Coupe). With 79 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 805 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 21 s). The top speed reaches 136 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.2 (52 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Even more modest performance than the 55 Hp variant, making it one of the slowest options. Best suited for unhurried journeys.

Fuel Economy

Likely offers slightly better economy due to lower power output, ideal for budget-conscious drivers.

Best Use Case: City Driving / Entry-level

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Classic rear-wheel-drive dynamics, offering an engaging driving experience.
  • • Simple, robust mechanicals make it relatively easy to maintain and restore.
  • • Distinctive classic styling, especially the Coupe body type.
  • • Affordable entry into classic car ownership.
  • • Good platform for tuning and modifications, especially the Rallye models.

Cons:

  • • Basic safety features by modern standards.
  • • Limited comfort and refinement compared to contemporary vehicles.
  • • Base engines are very slow, lacking modern performance.
  • • Prone to rust, a common issue for cars of this era.
  • • Finding original parts can be challenging for some components.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(B Coupe: 1965 - 1973).

General:
Brand:Opel
Model:Kadett
Generation:C Coupe
Modification (Engine):1.2 (52 Hp)
Start of production:1973
End of production:1977
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:52 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:43.5 Hp/l [55mm less]
Torque:79 Nm @ 3400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:12N More details about the engine 12N
Engine displacement:1196
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHV
Engine oil capacity:2.8 l
Coolant:4.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:79 mm mm
Piston Stroke:61 mm mm
Compression ratio:7.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:21 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:21 sec
Maximum speed:136 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.5 kg/Hp, 64.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:10.2 kg/Nm, 98.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:20 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:805
Max. weight:1170
Max load:365
Fuel tank capacity:43 l
Size:
Length:4127 mm mm [55mm less]
Width:1580 mm mm [7mm more]
Height:1340 mm mm [65mm less]
Wheelbase:2395 mm mm [21mm less]
Front track:1300 mm
Rear (Back) track:1301 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):140 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.2 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]

How many miles have you covered in your Opel Kadett? Share your journey!